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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Capital One Savor: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: This card is best for travelers loyal to the Marriott brand who want premium perks.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card®: This card is ideal for earning cash back on dining, entertainment, and groceries.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (See Rates & Fees) stands out in a crowded field of travel rewards cards.
- It grants automatic Platinum Elite status, unlocking premium hotel perks without meeting the usual stay requirements.
- Cardholders receive monthly statement credits for dining at restaurants worldwide.
- An annual Free Night Award provides a complimentary stay at a wide range of Marriott properties.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Pros
- Automatic Platinum Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy unlocks a host of travel perks, including complimentary room upgrades and late checkout.
- Receive valuable statement credits for dining out and for stays at select luxury properties, in addition to an annual Free Night Award.
- Access to a global network of airport lounges and built-in travel protections provide extra comfort and security during your travels.
Cons
- The card carries a significant annual fee, which may not be justifiable for those who don't frequently stay at Marriott properties.
- Benefits are heavily concentrated within the Marriott ecosystem, limiting the card's value for travelers who aren't loyal to the brand.
- Marriott's dynamic award pricing can make it challenging to predict and maximize the value of point redemptions.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here's a closer look at why we're fans of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards (See Rates & Fees).
- The card offers a straightforward way to earn rewards on popular categories like dining, entertainment, and at grocery stores.
- Cardholders receive access to exclusive events and experiences through the Capital One Entertainment platform.
- Redeeming your cash back is simple and flexible, with options that include statement credits and direct deposits.
Pros
- Comes with valuable travel and purchase protection benefits.
- Includes helpful security features like virtual card numbers from Eno and credit monitoring through CreditWise.
- Cash back can be converted to miles if you also hold a Capital One travel rewards card.
Cons
- You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify.
- Bonus rewards categories exclude some purchases, such as those at superstores and wholesale clubs.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards vs Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express®
Categories
When deciding which is better, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card or the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, it's essential to understand that each card excels in different areas. Your personal spending habits and travel preferences will ultimately determine the right fit for your wallet.
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: This card is tailored for frequent travelers, especially those loyal to the Marriott brand. It is ideal for individuals who value luxury travel perks and the benefits of elite hotel status.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is best for those who frequently spend on dining out, entertainment, and popular streaming services. It's a strong choice for earning rewards on everyday social spending and groceries.
Redemption
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Rewards are earned as points, which are primarily redeemed for stays across Marriott's extensive portfolio of hotels. Cardholders also have the flexibility to transfer their points to numerous airline partner programs for flight awards.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card provides cash back on your spending, which can be redeemed for a statement credit or a check. This straightforward redemption process offers simple, tangible value that can be used for any expense.
Travel Perks
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: The travel ecosystem for this card is deeply integrated with the Marriott Bonvoy program. Cardholders can transfer rewards to numerous airline partners, converting them to miles for flights. The card also provides access to a global network of airport lounges and does not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a more flexible, less-defined travel ecosystem. It does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international spending. However, it does not include airport lounge access. While it is a cash back card, rewards can be converted to travel miles if you also hold an eligible Capital One miles card, providing a path to airline transfer partners.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To make the decision-making process even easier, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare thousands of cards based on your actual spending.
- Test drive a credit card to see personalized calculations of your potential earnings based on your real spending history before you apply.
- Manage all your credit cards in one place with the Kudos Wallet.
- Analyze your approval odds for new cards based on your credit report.
- Earn extra rewards on top of your card's regular rewards when shopping at participating stores with Kudos Boost.
- Take advantage of a Welcome Offer Guarantee, which ensures you get the best offer available.
Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express®?
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card is tailor-made for frequent travelers who are loyal to the Marriott brand and seek top-tier hotel benefits. This card is ideal for those who stay at Marriott properties at least five to ten nights per year and dine out regularly enough to take full advantage of the monthly dining credits. Ultimately, it's a premium choice for travelers who value the automatic Platinum Elite status and its associated perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and enhanced hotel experiences.
Who Should Choose the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards?
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideally suited for consumers who frequently spend on dining out and entertainment. It’s a strong contender for urban professionals and active families whose budgets include significant spending on restaurants, concerts, sporting events, and popular streaming services. The card also benefits travelers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees and those with high spending at grocery stores.
Alternatives to Consider
If our Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant vs Capital One Savor comparison has you feeling like neither card is the perfect match, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent rewards cards on the market that might better suit your spending habits and travel goals.
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Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score. Most premium cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
- Plan your spending. Ensure you can meet any spending requirements for welcome offers or special benefits.
- Review the card’s benefits. Understand how perks like elite status or reward transfer options fit into your strategy.
Application Strategy
- Align with your spending.Choose a card that rewards your most frequent purchases, like dining or hotel stays.
- Consider the ecosystem.Some cards offer immense value but only within a specific brand's network.
- Know your reward preference.Decide if you prefer flexible cash back or points tied to travel partners.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for frequent travelers?
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is designed for travelers who are loyal to the Marriott brand, offering benefits tailored to hotel stays. The Capital One Savor card focuses more on everyday spending categories like dining and entertainment.
What type of spender is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card best for?
This card is ideal for individuals who frequently stay at properties within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Its rewards structure and benefits are maximized through brand loyalty.
Can I earn travel rewards with the Capital One Savor card?
While the Capital One Savor card is primarily a cash-back card, its rewards can be used to offset travel costs. However, it doesn't offer the direct travel perks or hotel-specific benefits found with a dedicated travel card.
How do the rewards programs differ?
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card earns points specifically for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, redeemable for hotel stays and other travel. The Capital One Savor card earns cash back on purchases, which offers more flexible, though less specialized, redemption options.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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